Referential Dependencies in Turkish: Some Novel Arguments on the Binding of Kendisi, O and Pro

The Turkish reflexive kendisi (self-3SG.POSS) deviates from Principle A of the Binding Theory and Minimalist movement approaches to referential dependencies. This paper concurs with Kornfilt (2001) provides further support that kendi-si is preceded by a null possessor (pro) which influences its binding but argues not reflexive. Kendisi’s distribution changes when pronominal or an overt (o, ‘she/he/it’). It claimed pro o are counterparts same pronominal. Pro show only in (in)direct object positions. In possessive phrases subject positions, their distributions differ. Following Cardinaletti Starke (1999) Safir (2004), it argued weak pronoun refers antecedent mentioned context. But strong can make independent reference function as topic shifter.